Managing Diabetes: Newer Oral Hypoglycemic Agents, Newer Insulins

Abstract

As the general population continues to age, we must be prepared to manage more patients having diabetes as the number of adults 65 years or older affected by diabetes is also going to increase proportionately. This is a heterogeneous group and the management need to be more patient centered prioritizing general well-being and quality of life. Co-existing morbidities are to be considered and the patient’s ability to manage the disease must be assessed along with the social support system available to them. The decisions are to be taken considering specifically the functional status (ADLs and FADLs), cognitive dysfunction and risk of hypoglycemia.